The last ACC bubble analysis of 2012… Just before conference play begins. I’m posting early since I’ll be in the road most of the day, so enjoy…

Who’s in and who’s out?

In my ranking system, any RPI top (100) win is a good win and any RPI top (50) obviously worth more. Any losses outside the RPI top (100) is considered a bad loss, and outside the RPI (150) are even more damaging. I’m not counting future results only if I think a team would make the NCAA’s if selections were made the day of the post.

Notes – Oh Boy, Reggie Johnson is going to be out for 6-8 weeks. The Canes have built a decent resume, but need to beat a dangerous (9-2) LaSalle team that owns a win over Villanova. Get that win and hover around .500 in the ACC until Johnson’s return and the Hurricanes should be fine.

(24) North Carolina (10-3) (0-0) Projected Seed 7

Last 10 – (7-3)

Good Wins – (47) McNeese St., (11) UNLV

Bad Losses – None

Notes – This isn’t an elite North Carolina team, but beating a good UNLV team will give this team a real confidence boost. They aren’t in Duke and NC State’s class, but they are capable of finishing in top 4 in the ACC.

(60) Maryland (11-1) (0-0) Projected Seed 9

Last 10 – (10-0)

Good Wins – (57) George Mason, (76) Stony Brook

Bad Losses – None

Notes – Still trying judge how good this Maryland team is as they continue to mow down inferior opponents.

Bubble But In

NONE

Bubble But Out

(115) Georgia Tech (9-2)

Last 10 – (8-2)

Good Wins – None

Bad Losses – None

Notes – The Yellow Jackets have beat all of their last 3 opponents by more than 30 points. This is a young team that’s deep. They are still a year away, but will be a headache for ACC teams this year.

(96) Florida State (8-4) (0-0)

Last 10 – (7-3)

Good Wins – (72) St. Josephs, * (33) BYU, (83) Charlotte

Bad Losses – * (251) South Alabama, * (159) Mercer

Notes – If the ACC is going to a 6th team into the NCAA’s, I think it will be FSU. As I pointed out the bubble is weak this year, and the Noles seem to be finding some traction. They can’t afford a slip up against an Auburn team than nearly beat Illinois.

Notes – I thought the Hokies were playing above their heads to open the season, but I didn’t think they’d fall apart this fast. Virginia Tech is reeling right now…

Only if they win the ACC Tournament

(128) Boston College (7-5) (0-0)

Last 10 – (6-4)

Good Wins – NONE

Bad Losses – (143) Bryant

Notes – Don’t look now but Boston College has won 4 games in a row… If Boston College can win their next two at home (Dartmouth, NC State), they may warrant some real consideration.

(181) Clemson (7-4) (0-0)

Last 10 – (6-4)

Good Wins – NONE

Bad Losses – * (188) Purdue, * (271) Coastal Carolina

Notes – Clemson is a little like BC. If they want to get back to the point where the NCAA’s are even in the discussion they must win their next two home games against the Citadel and Florida State this upcoming week.

(208) Wake Forest (6-5) (0-0)

Last 10 – (5-5)

Good Wins – None

Bad Losses – * (174) Iona, (140) Richmond

Notes – I’ll be real interested to see if Wake Forest can knock off an average Xavier team at home on January 2.